Birding

Kiptopeke State Park

757-331-2267, kiptopeke@dcr.virginia.gov

Kiptopeke State Park sits at the southern tip of Virginia's Eastern Shore, where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. Located along the Atlantic Flyway, the park is one of the East Coast's premier birding destinations. Throughout the year, migrating birds stop to rest and feed while resident species make the park their home. Every season offers visitors the opportunity to observe a diverse variety of birds in habitats including maritime forest, a freshwater pond and shoreline.

Type of birds

More than 300 species of birds have been documented at Kiptopeke State Park throughout the years. Visitors may encounter Brown Pelicans, Bald Eagles, Ospreys, Great Blue Herons, Egrets, Loons, Cormorants, a wide variety of waterfowl, shorebirds and songbirds. During migration, visitors will also see a wide variety of hawks and falcons. Visit eBird for a list of bird observations.

Best time of year to observe

Birding at Kiptopeke is rewarding in every season. Spring brings colorful migrating warblers, vireos, orioles, tanagers, shorebirds and nesting Ospreys. Summer offers excellent opportunities to observe wading birds, Brown Pelicans, terns, swallows, and resident songbirds raising their young. Fall is famous for spectacular raptor migration, with hawks, falcons, eagles, and thousands of songbirds passing through the park. Winter attracts waterfowl, loons, grebes, sea ducks, Bald Eagles, and many other species that spend the colder months along the Chesapeake Bay. No matter when you visit, changing weather, tides, and migration patterns create a new birding experience every day.

Best places in the park to observe

The Hawk Watch Platform offers expectational views during the fall migration season and is staffed by the Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory from September - November. Throughout the year, guests can enjoy excellent birding along the parks trails and shoreline. The Brown Pelican Trail, beaches, fishing pier and woodlands all provide opportunities to observe a wide variety of resident and migratory birds in their natural habitats.

Special birding programs and events

For guests looking for a new birding experience, we suggest participating in the park's early bird hikes, ranger-led wagon rides and owl prowls, or one of the guided paddles programs to see wildlife from a fresh perspective.

See all Birding Events

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